A scoping review of research on polyamory and consensual non-monogamy: Implications for a more inclusive family science

Abstract

Polyamory and consensual non-monogamy (CNM) refer to partnerships in which individuals have romantic, emotional, and/or sexual relationships with multiple people, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. Recent decades have seen a surge in research interest in polyamory and CNM, warranting efforts to pause and take stock of empirical findings. In this scoping review, we evaluate and synthesize 209 research studies about polyamory and CNM, paying particular attention to trends in research design, theoretical application, and substantive findings. Researchers have focused broadly on (a) outcomes of CNM relationships, (b) attitudes and perceptions of CNM, (c) antecedents of CNM, (d) CNM relational processes, (e) CNM identity development, (f) polyamorous family and parenting, and (g) CNM politics and discourse. We synthesize research findings within each domain, identify gaps in the literature, and discuss the challenges and opportunities we see in advancing research on polyamory and CNM.